Tour tips from the internet: App is good, experience is better

Created: 06/17/2022, 06:30

By: Elena Royer

Tips for worthwhile mountain tours - here is a picture of hikers on the Benediktenwand - can be found in abundance on the Internet.

You shouldn't blindly rely on it.

© Hans Herbig

Hikers often rely on tour tips from the Internet - but that can have pitfalls.

Mountain rescue experts from Bad Tölz and Lenggries advise against blindly relying on the internet.

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen

- The case caused quite a stir: Because they had relied on a tour description from the Internet, almost 100 students and their teachers in Austria recently got into mountain trouble.

Mountain rescuers freed them from their predicament.

It has long been common practice for hikers to use the internet or a mobile app to plan their hikes.

However, mountain rescue service representatives from the district advise not to rely solely on the digital guides, but also to classify their information correctly.

Pay attention to tour tips from reliable sources

A first step is to distinguish serious from less reliable websites.

"Trustworthy sources are, for example, online platforms from alpine clubs or tourism associations," explains Lina Feile, spokeswoman for the Lenggries mountain rescue service.

Like Roland Ampenberger, spokesman for the Bavarian Mountain Rescue Service, she also recommends: "Hikers should always verify the information on tours from the Internet."

It is also particularly important to relate the descriptions of mountain tours from the internet to one's own abilities.

Norbert Weinhuber, spokesman for the Tölzer Bergwacht, also advises this.

He recommends always carefully checking tours from the internet: "You should assess your own alpine skills," he says.

Mountain tours: Responsibility cannot be shifted to the app

Feile believes that dangerous situations can also arise when hikers rely too much on their cell phones.

"With a train timetable, for example, that's not a problem, but on the mountain it's something completely different." You still have to bear the responsibility yourself.

"Your experience and knowledge cannot be replaced by an app."

Weinhuber cites another reason why hikers should never rely solely on their smartphone: "The internet doesn't always work in the mountains." In addition, the battery can quickly run out.

"Nevertheless, of course, there's nothing wrong with having your cell phone with you for emergencies."

In addition to the mobile phone, a hiking map in the backpack does not hurt either

Tour planning is something that you first have to learn, says Feile.

"It depends on the knowledge of the weather, map reading and your own resources," says the mountain rescue spokeswoman.

But especially those who plan tours for larger groups often do not know the fitness level of each individual participant.

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"With a group of friends it's still okay, but especially with a school class it's very difficult for the teacher to assess." Feile recommends hiring a mountain guide or booking a guided tour if the worst comes to the worst.

It can also be useful to walk the selected tour beforehand, recommends Weinhuber if you are planning a hike with a larger group.

“It often sounds easier on the internet than it is”

Weinhuber thinks it doesn't hurt to also have a hiking map in your backpack because you can't always rely on your cell phone.

On the contrary: it has the advantage over the mobile phone that it is much clearer and, thanks to its size, offers a good overview.

Lina Feile remembers a tricky situation that she once found herself in: "I was out and about in the Dolomites and followed a tour description on my cell phone," she says.

"It was foggy, you couldn't see much.

Luckily I had a map with me as plan B and was able to read the signs.” Lina Feile therefore makes it clear: “It often sounds easier on the internet than it actually is.”

By the way: Everything from the region is now also available in our regular Bad Tölz newsletter.

You can find more current news from the region around Bad Tölz at Merkur.de/Bad Tölz.